Punjab Govt. opens 2000 free medicine and 660 free diagnostic centers across state

A major step towards providing social security to citizens, the Punjab Government has set up 2000 free medicine centers to provide free-of-cost medicines prescribed by government doctors. Out of these, 660 centers also provide free medical testing facility to all the patients.

The health sector is pre-requisite for driving growth and economic prosperity in a state. The government of Punjab appears to be conducive towards a revolutionary change in the health sector of the state. Opening of 2000 free medicines centers and 660 diagnostic centers validate state government's commitment towards healthcare.

"In a bid to provide equitable access to good quality healthcare to all, Punjab government has taken many path-breaking initiatives. State government invested Rs. 8,655 crore on healthcare between 2007-2016. With these centers, we shall ensure that not only the drugs of high quality are provided, all the tests are conducted in a hassle-free manner," said Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Each diagnostic centre is equipped with the computer and internet facility. All testing centre are fully equipped with laboratory equipment, refrigerator and furniture for carrying out testing and storage of the medicines.

218 medicines included in the Essential Drug List (EDL) are provided free of cost and 50 generally required tests which include 40 Blood, 6 Urine, Sputum, Stool and other Pathology tests are done free of cost. The result of the tests is reported through SMS to the patient or attendant.

Besides, Punjab government undertook various other welfare initiatives like CM relief fund for Cancer and Hepatitis-C and Cashless health insurance for farmers, industrial laborers, small-scale traders, government employees and pensioners.